Editorial History

Received: 16 Jan 2018

Revised: 13 Mar 2018

Accepted: 19 Mar 2018

Available online: 31 Mar 2018

Abstract

The overall aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of the upgrade of landfill gas extracted from a typical large MSW landfill in South Africa, to be used as a fuel source for the fleet of municipal refuse trucks. The outcome of this study aimed to determine the economic feasibility of the upgrade of landfill gas for use as fuel as well as the associated environmental benefits. Landfills contribute to 11% of the total (GHG) greenhouse gas emissions globally. The reduction of GHG emissions can be achieved through the extraction of landfill gas. At landfills in the major municipalities in South Africa, landfill gas is primarily extracted and flared or used for electricity generation. As a non-renewable highly priced commodity, the use of fossil fuels to haul refuse trucks proves to be an expensive endeavour for municipalities. Therefore, there is a need for alternative fuel sources.
The feasibility of the use of landfill gas as a fuel source was achieved by the analysis of the case study municipal facility and its process. The Waste Resource Optimization and Scenario Evaluation (WROSE) model, developed at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, was employed to determine the environmental, technical and economic benefits of implementing alternative waste treatment technologies. Municipal weighbridge and emissions data was collected from a number of landfills across South Africa and the WROSE model was used to analyse the environmental and financial benefits of three scenarios: 1. Landfilling of unsorted waste with LFG extraction and flaring, 2. Landfilling with LFG extraction for energy generation and 3. Landfilling of unsorted waste with LFG extraction and upgrading to fuel for municipal trucks. The outcome of the research shows that the landfill used as a case study presented great potential for the upgrade of landfill gas to a fuel source.

Naidoo, K., 2011. An analysis of municipal solid waste management in South Africa using the Msunduzi Municipality as a case study. University of KwaZulu-Natal

Polokwane Declaration on Waste Management (DEAT)., 2001. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Government of South Africa. Polokwane Declaration. Drafted by Government, Civil Society and the Business Community. National Waste Summit, Polokwane, 26–28 September 2001